Lockheed Martin announced Tuesday that it recently completed assembly of the 200th C-130J transport aircraft, representing a significant achievement for the airlifter program. “The C-130J proves itself on a daily basis while engaged in combat, peacekeeping, humanitarian, and disaster-relief operations,” said Ross Reynolds, Lockheed’s C-130 vice president. This 200th airframe was the second HC-130J rescue tanker being built for Air Combat Command. The Air Force is buying the HC-130Js to replace its current 40-year-old fleet of HC-130s. Lockheed rolled out the first HC-130J in April. The Air Force is also acquiring C-130J combat-delivery airframes and MC-130Js, which are optimized for special operations.
One Airman was killed and three others injured in a vehicle mishap at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., on June 29. Additionally, two first responder Airmen sustained injuries responding to the incident. All five injured Airmen have been transported to nearby medical facilities, according to a release from the base.